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Change of coach at Sturm Graz: Säumel has to leave before Christmas!
Sturm Graz parted ways with coach Jürgen Säumel shortly before Christmas. Maximilian Senft is considered the favorite to succeed him.
Change of coach at Sturm Graz: Säumel has to leave before Christmas!
On December 22, 2025, the Austrian football club Sturm Graz announced that the club was parting ways with coach Jürgen Säumel and assistant coach Martin Lassnig two days before Christmas. The decision came after in-depth analyzes and a year in which Säumel managed the club's fortunes on and off the pitch. According to information from Small newspaper Maximilian Senft, currently coach at SV Ried, is the hottest candidate to succeed him.
In the current season, Säumel is the fifth coach to be dismissed prematurely. The other dismissed coaches include Joao Sacramento (LASK), Peter Pacult (WAC), Peter Stöger (Rapid) and Mitja Mörec (Blau-Weiß Linz). Many clubs are struggling with challenges this season: only seven of the twelve teams in the Bundesliga have the same coach at the turn of the year as at the start of the season, as shown in the data from Statista is noted.
Analysis of the situation at Sturm Graz
The separation from Jürgen Säumel was not entirely surprising after the team suffered numerous defeats this season. Sturm Graz remained without a point, especially in the four duels against the major Viennese clubs. Despite these setbacks, the team still remains in the championship race and is also represented in the Cup.
A conflict between Säumel and sports director Michael Parensen was publicly discussed, which also contributed to the decision. The coach also had to continually reshape the team due to numerous departures. In early December, Säumel was vocal about his concerns about a weakened squad and internal problems, indicating the tense situation within the club.
New coach and team changes
By hiring a new coach, Sturm Graz plans to set the course for the second half of the season by the start of training on January 2nd, 2026. Maximilian Senft enjoys the role of favorite, but discussions with another Bundesliga coach are also underway.
On a personnel level, the club announces two new additions: the returnee Jusuf Gazibegovic and the 22-year-old Georgian Gizo Mamageishvili. The talented striker Aldin Jakupovic (19) from Slovenia is also expected to join the team. While the club faces a new beginning, the question remains whether the quickly implemented coaching change will deliver the hoped-for results. The coming weeks will be crucial for the further course of the season.